this almost happened in the united states in 2011 and this past summer. prime minister noda is telling voters that the opposition is not cooperating and will be delayed if funds stop flowing and services were interrupted. the opposing parties are pointing fingers at the government, on the other hand. they insist that noda is not following through with his promise to call a general election soon, because he is unpopular, and they do not appear ready to cooperate. you know, if both parties, both sides, can not come to an agreement and the budget cannot be enacted during this month-long diet session, japanese voters will surely find -- surely lose their trust in their elected officials. >> so could these negotiations force prime minister noda to set a date for the general election? >> noda does not have to call a general election until next summer. he said he would call an election soon the last time he had a compromise, but that was in august. the prime minister and lawmakers in his ruling democratic party are in no hurry to dissolve the lower house. an nhk